What is a CIS

Assessment tool

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CIS Tool Box

ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR A CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE PROGRAM

If you are planning to establish a Cancer Information Service this tool will help you conduct a basic assessment of the needs and proposed structure for beginning a service. It can also be used as a checklist to compile data.

Once you have completed your assessment with this tool, you can forward it to the International Cancer Information Service Group (ICSSG) at info@icisg.org. The ICISG will review it and get back to you with suggestions.

CONDUCT A BASIC OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT
Assess the user/audience, the environment (i.e., what else exists), and the capacity of the sponsoring organization:

Users Audience

• Geographic area to be covered
• Demographics of audience
• Population base
• Male/female
• Ages
• Income
• Education
• Major languages spoken
• Cancer incidence by type
• Culture/tradition/beliefs about cancer

Environment

• Extent of present information services (face-to-face, telephone, internet, other)
• Existing information sources
• Competing programs and services

Capacity of Sponsoring Organization
Gaps Analysis, briefly describing the need and who can best fulfill it

• Services available with whom to collaborate
• Anticipated major barriers and how to overcome them
• Potential funding sources and anticipated budget/amounts

DESCRIBE SCOPE OF SERVICES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO OFFER
Describe the type of services you would like to offer and how you want to reach you clients. You should look at the following:

• Potential audiences
• Estimated types of services to be offered
• Information
• Counseling
• Support

Reach your audience by:

• Telephone
• Internet website
• In person
• Email
• Mail
• Publications

Other issues for consideration:

• Estimated volume for each type of information delivery
• Information depth and sources
• Information updating policies
• Database (information resources and referral) to be used and equipment needed
• Hours of service
• Staffing pattern and training needs
• Qualifications of staff (volunteers, medical personnel, counselors, information specialists)
• Medical referral policies

Last Updated: 8 January 2008